As a brand new academic year begins, it’s time to think about what we want to achieve. Goals are the challenges that we set our minds on overcoming.
We might aim to improve our grades or learn new skills. If we reach our goals, we feel motivated to move forward. Even if we don’t, we can think about how we can improve to achieve them next time.
How do we set goals?
1. Reflect: What are your weaknesses? Do you want to make more friends? Is there a hobby you want to pick up?
2. Be specific: Break your big goal into smaller steps that are achievable. For example, if you want to be better at mathematics, set a goal to solve a few sudoku puzzles or interesting maths problems every week. If you hope to run faster, create a plan to run for 15 minutes every day.
3. Visualise your goals: Write down what you want to accomplish, and revisit them from time to time. This will help you stay focused as you work towards your goals.
Activity 1: Goal-setting poster
Materials
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old magazines and newspapers
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colour paper or poster board
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scissors
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glue
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pens
Instructions
1. Think about what you want to achieve this year. Write down your goals on a piece of paper.
2. Look through the magazines or newspapers and cut out pictures and words that show your goals.
3. Glue the pictures and words onto the poster board or colour paper.
4. Hang the poster somewhere you can see it every day, for example, on your bedroom wall or near your desk.
Activity 2: Dream jar
Materials
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recycled empty jar or container
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paint
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paintbrushes
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small pieces of paper
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scissors
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pens
Instructions
1. On small pieces of paper, write down your goals for the new school year.
2. Fold the papers and place them inside the jar.
3. Paint and decorate the outside of the jar.
4. As you achieve your goals, remove the papers and celebrate your successes!
